Washington, D.C.,September 4(HS): Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, delivering harrowing testimonies of sexual abuse and demanding that lawmakers release all remaining files related to the disgraced financier’s criminal network.

One survivor, Lisa Phillips, announced that victims had begun compiling a confidential list of Epstein associates they allege were complicit, stressing the effort would be “by survivors, for survivors” due to their fear of reprisals. Attorneys for the group warned that many women remain silent out of concern for legal or personal retaliation, as “nobody protected them the first time.”

Nine accusers spoke publicly during the event, including Marina Lacerda, who recounted being groomed by Epstein as a teenager, and Annie Farmer, who questioned why her report of abuse was ignored decades earlier. Others denounced the political framing of the case, noting that Epstein’s crimes were those of sex trafficking, not partisan controversy.

The news conference followed the release of 33,000 documents by the House Oversight Committee, though Democrats said 97% of the material was already public and did little to advance transparency or justice. Meanwhile, House members Thomas Massie (R) and Ro Khanna (D) launched a bipartisan push to compel the Department of Justice to unseal all records, a move requiring support from at least six Republicans.

Former President Donald Trump, once friendly with Epstein, dismissed the calls as a “Democrat hoax.” Survivors, however, countered that the victims’ suffering is real and that wealth and power continue to shield perpetrators tied to Epstein’s circle.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar